6 Dill-icious Summer Dishes

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Dill doesn’t get included in nearly as many recipes as, say, thyme or basil. Sure, it’s a unique flavor, and a little dash can seriously alter the taste of a dish, but there are plenty of dishes that can benefit from a bit of the summery herb. It’s great for adding something extra to dressings, sauces, seafood and even tea. Besides its subtle sweet flavor, it also boasts some unexpected health benefits: It helps soothe the digestive system and has a calming effect that can be used as a sleep remedy. So try out some of these recipes and showcase your new favorite herb this summer.

No summer gathering is complete without a good, creamy potato salad. This elevated version makes use of fresh dill along with Dijon mustard and lemon juice, giving it a sweet, salty, tangy taste that is the perfect complement to some smoky barbecue. Remember, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended that you make it a few hours in advance and keep it at room temperature.

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Dill goes perfectly with the earthy taste of eggplant, so it’s no surprise that this recipe gets great reviews. Roasting eggplant, shallots and garlic together brings out the strong flavors of each, while the creamy dill sauce brings balance to the otherwise sweet dish. Per reviews, the recipe seems to turn out better when you add some extra eggplant. And don’t forget the walnuts for a bit of crunch!

A grilled dish from Bobby Flay is always a winner, but this one really knocks it out of the park. He takes inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine and creates a healthy summer dish that packs in flavor. Sweet shrimp are complemented by green onion, while the vinegar, Dijon and dill all work together to create a light pickled taste. And who doesn’t love a little feta cheese?

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While dill is usually just used to accent another flavor, these biscuits make it the star of the show. The herb is mixed in with the actual dough, so you get a hint of dill with every bite. Pair with this simple honey butter for the perfect complement to any summer picnic.

The best pasta salads are always the ones that are simple enough for you to really appreciate the fresh ingredients that are added in, and this one is exactly that. The shrimp are poached, so the salad doesn’t get too oily, and the cucumbers and tomatoes are kept raw, giving the whole salad a fresh-from-the-garden taste. A simple dressing made of lemon juice, honey and dill ensures a light finish.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous in the kitchen — or even just craving a homemade classic — try Bobby’s recipe for Spicy Dill Pickles. The best part about these is that they only have to sit for a day before they’re ready to add to a sandwich or pack as a snack. Red pepper flakes, white peppercorns and cumin add just the right amount of heat, while fresh dill gives the pickles a classic taste.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again — herbs are an easy way to give low-cal flavor to many dishes. Better still, you add extra nutrients such as vitamins A and C, fiber and phytochemicals. With herbs overflowing in our backyards and in our patios, we're celebrating our favorites while they last! We polled all our contributors to find out what's on the top of their lists, plus our favorite ways to use them.